Very sad: A freezer full of breast milk and not allowed to donate

[edeluna]

I've been EBF my 7mo DD and have a freezer full of milk I've expressed. I'd love to donate it to a local bank, but because I had a blood transfusion during my EMCS, I'm apparently excluded forever from from donating milk and (probably) blood too because of a "small risk that vCJD (variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease) may be transmitted via blood transfusions (four cases in 10 years in the UK after approximately 20 million units of blood transfused)." [United Kingdom Association for Milk Banking]

Bummer.

I guess I could make ice cream instead. =(

You could use it for cooking/cereal for your DD is you wanted to.

Alternatively check out Eatonfeets.org which is a way of sharing breastmilk with those who need it, in your area.

Keep up the good work!

Thanks. I already mix it into her food. I just produce a lot of extra!

Eats On Feets looks great, but I guess I'd feel uncomfortable offering milk that isn't considered "safe". I know the guidelines are there to protect everyone; I'm just disappointed that I can't pass it along, especially since I'm pretty sure there's practically zero chance of it being infected.

I think if you are honest, and the recipient is happy with the very small risk, then why not donate directly?

As far as I know vCJD has never been transmitted via breastmilk as well, so the risk is only theoretical.